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General Recommendations

Best Informational Books for Older Readers of 2023

By:

ChiPubLib_Kids

Chicago Public Library

Staff-created list

We recommend these as the very best nonfiction books published for kids in 4th though 8th grade in 2023.

By:

ChiPubLib_Kids

Chicago Public Library

20 items

20 items

Breaking the Mold

Breaking the Mold

Changing the Face of Climate Science

by Levy, Dana Alison

Book - 2023

Meet a cave explorer turned science writer, a disabled vulcanologist who spends time near active volcanoes, an Indigenous Hawaiian surfer who studies the ...Show more Meet a cave explorer turned science writer, a disabled vulcanologist who spends time near active volcanoes, an Indigenous Hawaiian surfer who studies the microbiomes of other surfers and more in this anthology featuring sixteen of the diverse people challenging the stereotypical image of what it looks like to be a climate scientist. Show less

Meet a cave explorer turned science writer, a disabled vulcanologist who spends time near active volcanoes, an Indigenous Hawaiian surfer who studies the ...Show more Meet a cave explorer turned science writer, a disabled vulcanologist who spends time near active volcanoes, an Indigenous Hawaiian surfer who studies the microbiomes of other surfers and more in this anthology featuring sixteen of the diverse people challenging the stereotypical image of what it looks like to be a climate scientist. Show less

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Chinese Menu

The History, Myths, and Legends Behind your Favorite Foods

by Lin, Grace

Book - 2023

If you love Chinese food, you may have wondered how your favorite dishes got their names. Take a deep dive into the history, myths and legends behind you...Show more If you love Chinese food, you may have wondered how your favorite dishes got their names. Take a deep dive into the history, myths and legends behind your favorite foods in this beautifully illustrated book laid out just like a Chinese menu. Extensive back matter includes end notes, bibliography and a family recipe. Show less

If you love Chinese food, you may have wondered how your favorite dishes got their names. Take a deep dive into the history, myths and legends behind you...Show more If you love Chinese food, you may have wondered how your favorite dishes got their names. Take a deep dive into the history, myths and legends behind your favorite foods in this beautifully illustrated book laid out just like a Chinese menu. Extensive back matter includes end notes, bibliography and a family recipe. Show less

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Coretta's Journey

Coretta's Journey

The Life and Times of Coretta Scott King

by Duncan, Alice Faye

Book - 2023

Explore Coretta Scott King’s life through poetry and prose, highlighting all the many ups and downs that she and her family weathered through determinatio...Show more Explore Coretta Scott King’s life through poetry and prose, highlighting all the many ups and downs that she and her family weathered through determination, hard work and gumption. Coretta’s parents taught her those values and she brought them to her life with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and beyond. Show less

Explore Coretta Scott King’s life through poetry and prose, highlighting all the many ups and downs that she and her family weathered through determinatio...Show more Explore Coretta Scott King’s life through poetry and prose, highlighting all the many ups and downs that she and her family weathered through determination, hard work and gumption. Coretta’s parents taught her those values and she brought them to her life with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and beyond. Show less

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A First Time for Everything

A First Time for Everything

A True Story

by Santat, Dan

Paperback - 2023

Come along with Dan Santat as he shares his amazing, and sometimes cringeworthy, experiences on a group trip to Europe at age 13. His experiences with fri...Show more Come along with Dan Santat as he shares his amazing, and sometimes cringeworthy, experiences on a group trip to Europe at age 13. His experiences with friendship, embarrassment and first love are relatable, and his illustrations of the sights will make you feel like you’re on a European tour, too. Show less

Come along with Dan Santat as he shares his amazing, and sometimes cringeworthy, experiences on a group trip to Europe at age 13. His experiences with fri...Show more Come along with Dan Santat as he shares his amazing, and sometimes cringeworthy, experiences on a group trip to Europe at age 13. His experiences with friendship, embarrassment and first love are relatable, and his illustrations of the sights will make you feel like you’re on a European tour, too. Show less

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Holding Her Own

Holding Her Own

The Exceptional Life of Jackie Ormes

by Todd, Traci N.

Book - 2023

Artist, journalist, cartoonist, activist, fashionista and doll designer – Jackie Ormes was all these things and more! But first, Jackie Ormes was Zelda Ja...Show more Artist, journalist, cartoonist, activist, fashionista and doll designer – Jackie Ormes was all these things and more! But first, Jackie Ormes was Zelda Jackson, a little girl from Pennsylvania with two artistic parents and a knack for making people laugh. This is the inspiring true story of how Zelda Jackson became Jackie Ormes, the first Black woman cartoonist to be nationally syndicated in the United States and a Chicago legend. Show less

Artist, journalist, cartoonist, activist, fashionista and doll designer – Jackie Ormes was all these things and more! But first, Jackie Ormes was Zelda Ja...Show more Artist, journalist, cartoonist, activist, fashionista and doll designer – Jackie Ormes was all these things and more! But first, Jackie Ormes was Zelda Jackson, a little girl from Pennsylvania with two artistic parents and a knack for making people laugh. This is the inspiring true story of how Zelda Jackson became Jackie Ormes, the first Black woman cartoonist to be nationally syndicated in the United States and a Chicago legend. Show less

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Just Jerry

Just Jerry

How Drawing Shaped My Life

by Pinkney, Jerry

Book - 2023

In this memoir, Jerry Pinkney, one the most renowned children’s book illustrators of all time, gives us an inside look into his world as a little boy grow...Show more In this memoir, Jerry Pinkney, one the most renowned children’s book illustrators of all time, gives us an inside look into his world as a little boy growing up on East Earlham Street in Philadelphia in the 1940s and 50s. From funny family stories to sources of inspiration, Jerry shares vignettes from his early life including how he learned to read with dyslexia. Detailed sketches from decade’s worth of Jerry’s sketchbooks are sprinkled throughout, adding humor and whimsy to his story and the font and sentence lengths are constructed specifically to assist those with dyslexia and to make Jerry's story accessible to all. Show less

In this memoir, Jerry Pinkney, one the most renowned children’s book illustrators of all time, gives us an inside look into his world as a little boy grow...Show more In this memoir, Jerry Pinkney, one the most renowned children’s book illustrators of all time, gives us an inside look into his world as a little boy growing up on East Earlham Street in Philadelphia in the 1940s and 50s. From funny family stories to sources of inspiration, Jerry shares vignettes from his early life including how he learned to read with dyslexia. Detailed sketches from decade’s worth of Jerry’s sketchbooks are sprinkled throughout, adding humor and whimsy to his story and the font and sentence lengths are constructed specifically to assist those with dyslexia and to make Jerry's story accessible to all. Show less

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Learning to Be Wild

Learning to Be Wild

How Animals Achieve Peace, Create Beauty, and Raise Families

by Safina, Carl

Book - 2023

Are humans the only animals on Earth with culture – the ability to learn from each other and pass along certain behaviors socially? This young reader’s ed...Show more Are humans the only animals on Earth with culture – the ability to learn from each other and pass along certain behaviors socially? This young reader’s edition exploring the social lives of chimpanzees, macaws, and sperm whales suggests that humans aren’t the only ones in the natural world to develop rich cultures. Show less

Are humans the only animals on Earth with culture – the ability to learn from each other and pass along certain behaviors socially? This young reader’s ed...Show more Are humans the only animals on Earth with culture – the ability to learn from each other and pass along certain behaviors socially? This young reader’s edition exploring the social lives of chimpanzees, macaws, and sperm whales suggests that humans aren’t the only ones in the natural world to develop rich cultures. Show less

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Making More

Making More

How Life Begins

by Roy, Katherine

Book - 2023

Where do baby [rabbits, snakes, humans] come from? Using scientific terms and diagrams, Katherine Roy describes how various species “meet, merge, and crea...Show more Where do baby [rabbits, snakes, humans] come from? Using scientific terms and diagrams, Katherine Roy describes how various species “meet, merge, and create.” Roy’s stunning and scientifically accurate drawings illustrate the concepts throughout in a way that both informs and intrigues. Future biologists: be sure to check out the excellent back matter for a deeper dive into this topic. Show less

Where do baby [rabbits, snakes, humans] come from? Using scientific terms and diagrams, Katherine Roy describes how various species “meet, merge, and crea...Show more Where do baby [rabbits, snakes, humans] come from? Using scientific terms and diagrams, Katherine Roy describes how various species “meet, merge, and create.” Roy’s stunning and scientifically accurate drawings illustrate the concepts throughout in a way that both informs and intrigues. Future biologists: be sure to check out the excellent back matter for a deeper dive into this topic. Show less

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Mexikid

Mexikid

A Graphic Memoir

by Martin, Pedro

Paperback - 2023

In this graphic memoir, author, illustrator, and self-proclaimed “Mexikid” Pedro/Peter Martinez takes us all the way back in time to 1977 when Star Wars w...Show more In this graphic memoir, author, illustrator, and self-proclaimed “Mexikid” Pedro/Peter Martinez takes us all the way back in time to 1977 when Star Wars was his favorite movie, Superman was his favorite action hero, and his entire family – that's Apa, Ama, Sal, Lila, Leon, Noe, Ruth, Hugo, Alejandro/Alex, Adan/Adam and of course Pedro/Peter - are about to take the family vacation of a lifetime: driving a Winnebago all the way from Watsonville, California to Jalisco, Mexico to bring Pedro’s abuelito north to live with them. Show less

In this graphic memoir, author, illustrator, and self-proclaimed “Mexikid” Pedro/Peter Martinez takes us all the way back in time to 1977 when Star Wars w...Show more In this graphic memoir, author, illustrator, and self-proclaimed “Mexikid” Pedro/Peter Martinez takes us all the way back in time to 1977 when Star Wars was his favorite movie, Superman was his favorite action hero, and his entire family – that's Apa, Ama, Sal, Lila, Leon, Noe, Ruth, Hugo, Alejandro/Alex, Adan/Adam and of course Pedro/Peter - are about to take the family vacation of a lifetime: driving a Winnebago all the way from Watsonville, California to Jalisco, Mexico to bring Pedro’s abuelito north to live with them. Show less

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The Mona Lisa Vanishes

The Mona Lisa Vanishes

A Legendary Painter, A Shocking Heist, and the Birth of A Global Celebrity

by Day, Nicholas

Book - 2023

Travel back and forth in time through this thrilling nonfiction narrative to discover how the Mona Lisa became THE Mona Lisa. Not only will you walk the f...Show more Travel back and forth in time through this thrilling nonfiction narrative to discover how the Mona Lisa became THE Mona Lisa. Not only will you walk the footsteps of the thief and detectives to solve the greatest heist in history, but you will also get a chance to learn about Leonardo da Vinci and what had to happen in the 1500s for this painting to even exist. The short chapters and quick pacing help make the 252-page narrative an enjoyable and educational nonfiction read. Show less

Travel back and forth in time through this thrilling nonfiction narrative to discover how the Mona Lisa became THE Mona Lisa. Not only will you walk the f...Show more Travel back and forth in time through this thrilling nonfiction narrative to discover how the Mona Lisa became THE Mona Lisa. Not only will you walk the footsteps of the thief and detectives to solve the greatest heist in history, but you will also get a chance to learn about Leonardo da Vinci and what had to happen in the 1500s for this painting to even exist. The short chapters and quick pacing help make the 252-page narrative an enjoyable and educational nonfiction read. Show less

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The Monkey Trial

The Monkey Trial

John Scopes and the Battle Over Teaching Evolution

by Sanchez, Anita

Book - 2023

Could a science teacher be arrested for teaching students about a scientific theory? In Dayton, Tennesse in 1925, the answer was yes. This is the page-turning true story of a court case once deemed “the trial of the century.” Could a science teacher be arrested for teaching students about a scientific theory? In Dayton, Tennesse in 1925, the answer was yes. This is the page-turning true story of a court case once deemed “the trial of the century.” Show less

Could a science teacher be arrested for teaching students about a scientific theory? In Dayton, Tennesse in 1925, the answer was yes. This is the page-turning true story of a court case once deemed “the trial of the century.” Could a science teacher be arrested for teaching students about a scientific theory? In Dayton, Tennesse in 1925, the answer was yes. This is the page-turning true story of a court case once deemed “the trial of the century.” Show less

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More Than A Dream

More Than A Dream

The Radical March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom

by Williams, Yohuru

Book - 2023

More than likely, you have heard of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, but how did the day it happened come to be? Any huge even...Show more More than likely, you have heard of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, but how did the day it happened come to be? Any huge event takes much planning, as did the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Learn about all the key players in making this life-changing march happen along with those who got left behind. You can follow their journey through the many black-and-white photos. Extensive matter included along with discussion questions. Show less

More than likely, you have heard of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, but how did the day it happened come to be? Any huge even...Show more More than likely, you have heard of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, but how did the day it happened come to be? Any huge event takes much planning, as did the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. Learn about all the key players in making this life-changing march happen along with those who got left behind. You can follow their journey through the many black-and-white photos. Extensive matter included along with discussion questions. Show less

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My Head Has A Bellyache

My Head Has A Bellyache

More Nonsense for Mischievous Kids and Immature Grown-ups

by Harris, Chris

Book - 2023

Be prepared before you open this book: anything can happen with the poems inside. A meteor might crash into a poem, there may be a poem in the footnotes,...Show more Be prepared before you open this book: anything can happen with the poems inside. A meteor might crash into a poem, there may be a poem in the footnotes, one poem might suddenly become a snake. There might even be a book-within-the-book. But they all have one thing in common: they’re very fun to read. Perfect for solo reading or sharing aloud with family and friends, your head really might get a bellyache reading these poems....from laughing! Show less

Be prepared before you open this book: anything can happen with the poems inside. A meteor might crash into a poem, there may be a poem in the footnotes,...Show more Be prepared before you open this book: anything can happen with the poems inside. A meteor might crash into a poem, there may be a poem in the footnotes, one poem might suddenly become a snake. There might even be a book-within-the-book. But they all have one thing in common: they’re very fun to read. Perfect for solo reading or sharing aloud with family and friends, your head really might get a bellyache reading these poems....from laughing! Show less

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Of All Tribes

Of All Tribes

American Indians and Alcatraz

by Bruchac, Joseph

Book - 2023

A lesser-known but no less noteworthy chapter of history, this is the powerful story of a group of Native American activists who in 1969 occupied the aban...Show more A lesser-known but no less noteworthy chapter of history, this is the powerful story of a group of Native American activists who in 1969 occupied the abandoned island and prison of Alcatraz for over a year, declaring it stolen – and now reclaimed – Indigenous land. Show less

A lesser-known but no less noteworthy chapter of history, this is the powerful story of a group of Native American activists who in 1969 occupied the aban...Show more A lesser-known but no less noteworthy chapter of history, this is the powerful story of a group of Native American activists who in 1969 occupied the abandoned island and prison of Alcatraz for over a year, declaring it stolen – and now reclaimed – Indigenous land. Show less

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A Place Called America

A Place Called America

A Story of the Land and People

by Thermes, Jennifer

Book - 2023

This history of America, from 15,000 years ago until today, selects major historical events to tell the story of the United States. And while that may not...Show more This history of America, from 15,000 years ago until today, selects major historical events to tell the story of the United States. And while that may not sound groundbreaking, the book centers the perspective of the colonized and/or enslaved peoples for all major events – a perspective that is all-too-often disregarded. This short historical picture book appears simple in text, but truly gives the reader much to consider about our nation’s founding and history. Show less

This history of America, from 15,000 years ago until today, selects major historical events to tell the story of the United States. And while that may not...Show more This history of America, from 15,000 years ago until today, selects major historical events to tell the story of the United States. And while that may not sound groundbreaking, the book centers the perspective of the colonized and/or enslaved peoples for all major events – a perspective that is all-too-often disregarded. This short historical picture book appears simple in text, but truly gives the reader much to consider about our nation’s founding and history. Show less

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Polar

Polar

Wildlife at the Ends of the Earth

by Carmichael, L. E.

Book - 2023

Even though the Arctic and Antarctica are at opposite ends of the Earth, they have a lot in common: they’re both cold, windy, and dark for six much each ...Show more Even though the Arctic and Antarctica are at opposite ends of the Earth, they have a lot in common: they’re both cold, windy, and dark for six much each year! Due to these environmental similarities, distinctly different animals have adapted to live in both places. In beautifully illustrated two-page spreads (one for each month of the year), learn about the thriving life at the polar regions of Earth! Show less

Even though the Arctic and Antarctica are at opposite ends of the Earth, they have a lot in common: they’re both cold, windy, and dark for six much each ...Show more Even though the Arctic and Antarctica are at opposite ends of the Earth, they have a lot in common: they’re both cold, windy, and dark for six much each year! Due to these environmental similarities, distinctly different animals have adapted to live in both places. In beautifully illustrated two-page spreads (one for each month of the year), learn about the thriving life at the polar regions of Earth! Show less

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Shining A Light

Shining A Light

Celebrating 40 Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Changed the World

by Bybee, Veeda

Book - 2023

Meet a variety of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders in this collective biography with a bold portrait paired with an informative essay. This small sel...Show more Meet a variety of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders in this collective biography with a bold portrait paired with an informative essay. This small selection starts in the 19th century and takes us through the present featuring notable folks you will soon know (if you don’t already), including Grace Lee Boggs, Patsy Mink, George Takei. Show less

Meet a variety of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders in this collective biography with a bold portrait paired with an informative essay. This small sel...Show more Meet a variety of Asian-Americans and Pacific Islanders in this collective biography with a bold portrait paired with an informative essay. This small selection starts in the 19th century and takes us through the present featuring notable folks you will soon know (if you don’t already), including Grace Lee Boggs, Patsy Mink, George Takei. Show less

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Total Garbage

Total Garbage

A Messy Dive Into Trash, Waste, and Our World

by Donnelly, Rebecca

Book - 2023

From compost to conservation, reducing to recycling, this book reveals the entire life cycle of the endless tons of trash that humans create daily. Beyond...Show more From compost to conservation, reducing to recycling, this book reveals the entire life cycle of the endless tons of trash that humans create daily. Beyond being a fascinating discussion on what are the easiest materials to recycle and why, this book also brings readers upstream to discuss the decisions that lead to the mountains of trash before the items even reach the store. This funny, engaging, and fascinating book will have readers’ minds in the trash in a most thoughtful way. Show less

From compost to conservation, reducing to recycling, this book reveals the entire life cycle of the endless tons of trash that humans create daily. Beyond...Show more From compost to conservation, reducing to recycling, this book reveals the entire life cycle of the endless tons of trash that humans create daily. Beyond being a fascinating discussion on what are the easiest materials to recycle and why, this book also brings readers upstream to discuss the decisions that lead to the mountains of trash before the items even reach the store. This funny, engaging, and fascinating book will have readers’ minds in the trash in a most thoughtful way. Show less

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Voices of the People

Voices of the People

by Bruchac, Joseph

Book - 2022

A gorgeous and innovative showcase of 34 prominent Indigenous leaders from 1000 A.D. to today. Each two-page spread contains a poem on one side discussing...Show more A gorgeous and innovative showcase of 34 prominent Indigenous leaders from 1000 A.D. to today. Each two-page spread contains a poem on one side discussing the titled figure and their deeds while the other side provides unique illustrations and images created by a modern-day artist who is enrolled in a Native American tribe. Voices of the People allows us to see how strongly these leaders, both male and female, fought for their people and themselves. It combines the past with the present and teaches us that these voices are powerful. They deserve to be heard and they need to be heard. Show less

A gorgeous and innovative showcase of 34 prominent Indigenous leaders from 1000 A.D. to today. Each two-page spread contains a poem on one side discussing...Show more A gorgeous and innovative showcase of 34 prominent Indigenous leaders from 1000 A.D. to today. Each two-page spread contains a poem on one side discussing the titled figure and their deeds while the other side provides unique illustrations and images created by a modern-day artist who is enrolled in a Native American tribe. Voices of the People allows us to see how strongly these leaders, both male and female, fought for their people and themselves. It combines the past with the present and teaches us that these voices are powerful. They deserve to be heard and they need to be heard. Show less

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Your Freedom, your Power

Your Freedom, your Power

A Kid's Guide to the First Amendment

by Matulli, Allison

Book - 2023

The first amendment offers freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government but what does that mean for kids? Do you have th...Show more The first amendment offers freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government but what does that mean for kids? Do you have the right to protest at school? Are curfew laws allowed under the first amendment? Can you ask your parents to take down photos of you they’ve posted online? Learn about each right given in the first amendment, read about real kids who stood up for their own rights, and discover how you can use your own voice to defend your rights. Show less

The first amendment offers freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government but what does that mean for kids? Do you have th...Show more The first amendment offers freedoms of speech, press, assembly, and the right to petition the government but what does that mean for kids? Do you have the right to protest at school? Are curfew laws allowed under the first amendment? Can you ask your parents to take down photos of you they’ve posted online? Learn about each right given in the first amendment, read about real kids who stood up for their own rights, and discover how you can use your own voice to defend your rights. Show less

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